"I'm Losing Business": Learner Drivers Struggle to Find Driving Tests in Basingstoke

Long Waiting Times for Driving Tests in Basingstoke

Learner drivers in Basingstoke are experiencing extended wait times to book a driving test, with some waiting as long as 24 weeks. This issue has led to frustration among residents who are struggling to find available slots at local test centers.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has acknowledged the problem and is taking steps to address it. One of their initiatives involves recruiting military examiners to help reduce the backlog of tests. Despite these efforts, many drivers continue to face challenges in securing a test date.

A Personal Struggle: Alistair Cook's Experience

Alistair Cook, a 43-year-old resident of Brighton Hill, has been trying to book a driving test at the nearby Basingstoke test center since July. He checks the government website every Monday and Friday at 6am and uses an app called Testi to track cancellations. However, he has not been able to find a test slot in his area.

Frustrated by the long wait, Alistair decided to book a test in Yeovil, which is almost two hours away from his home. By the time of his test, he will have been waiting nine months. "I thought it was people just winding it up a bit. It just feels like there should be a better system than what they have," he said.

Alistair's decision to start learning to drive was influenced by his dog, Grace, an eight-year-old long-haired Rottweiler. After undergoing surgery that involved metal being inserted into her leg, Grace can only go on short walks. Alistair hopes to take her further afield once he passes his test.

His love for animals also inspired him to start a dog-walking business in March. However, due to his inability to drive, he has had to turn down clients in areas such as Chineham, Beggarwood, and across Basingstoke. "I'm losing business because I can only walk dogs in my local area," he explained.

The Impact on Daily Life

Alistair works as a chef but is hoping to expand his dog-walking business full-time once he passes his driving test. "They need to do something about the wait on tests. It's just ridiculous," he concluded.

The DVSA's data shows that in August 2025, the average wait time at the Basingstoke test center was 11.5 weeks, a decrease from the 24 weeks recorded in August 2024. However, the figures can fluctuate month on month as the agency calculates the gap between now and the earliest bookable test at each center, up to a maximum of 24 weeks.

Each week, more tests are added, and if capacity increases, wait times can rapidly decrease before jumping back up again months later.

Another Perspective: Bethany Varndell

Bethany Varndell, a 29-year-old resident of Basingstoke, started driving lessons six years ago, just six months before the UK's Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020. She waited until tests and lessons were allowed again under government guidance, but faced long queues with 30,000 other people trying to do the same.

She eventually managed to book a test five months later, which she failed. After a four-year break, she decided to try again and paid nearly £2,000 for an intensive course that guaranteed a test within 30 days. However, she ended up waiting another three months before securing a test.

Despite the long wait, Bethany remained determined. "I can't let the opportunity pass me by or God knows how long I will be waiting for another one," she said.

The Broader Issue

Jasmine Kelly, a reporter for the Basingstoke Gazette, will have waited 10 months by the time of her test in January 2026. Unable to book a test in Basingstoke, she managed to secure a spot in Portsmouth for August. She tried switching dates through Facebook groups, but faced issues with bots and people trying to sell her test slots.

Jasmine is part of a popular Facebook group with 27,000 members aimed at helping learners swap test dates. However, she remains frustrated with the process. "I know that if I fail, it's going to be a while until I can get a test again. It's ridiculous, it should be straightforward," she said.

DVSA's Response

A spokesperson for the DVSA stated, "DVSA is taking decisive action to reduce driving test waiting times by making more tests available. We carried out just over 14,400 more tests in October 2025, compared to October 2024. Following our recent consultation, we’re also changing the driving test booking system to help make sure that it works fairly for everyone and make it easier for genuine learners to book their test."

Despite these efforts, many drivers continue to face significant delays, highlighting the need for continued improvements in the system.